Extra funds for Moggy memorial plaque donated to local good causes

Date published: 16 November 2023

Hamer Amateur Boxing Club has donated excess funds to local good causes after thousands of pounds were raised towards a community memorial plaque at Rochdale AFC for community fundraiser Stephen ‘Moggy’ Murray.

Moggy, 68, was known around Rochdale for his fundraising efforts, including his famous ‘ladder walks’ across the country to support the town's football team, Rochdale Hornets, plus other good causes.

The former window cleaner died “suddenly and unexpectedly” in August 2022.

Earlier this year, Hamer Boxing Club set about raising funds for a memorial plaque to be installed at Moggy’s beloved Sandy Lane end of the Crown Oil Arena, which was installed at the end of September, along with a seat cover depicting a portrait of Moggy.

The plaque was designed by Bethany Connellan, and constructed free of charge by Nick and Pam Heywood, with a metal base donated by steel fabricator Jimmy Webster.

Bethany also orchestrated a walk along Spotland Road to the football ground, which saw Moggy’s original ladders perched upon the shoulders of her father and Hamer coach, Steven Connellan. The ladders were put on display during the game.

Of the excess funds raised, £1,000 will be donated to Adam Trennery and the ex-military veterans’ association – which organised a live music event at Empire last year to raise funds for Moggy’s memorial plaque – whilst £500 will be donated to the ex-paratrooper regiment who attend the Hamer gym free of charge every Thursday, and £800 to the Jock McAvoy fund.

Moggy’s final fundraiser before his death was a two-week bus tour in aid of the fund, which is raising money towards a permanent statue of the ‘Rochdale Thunderbolt’ in Falinge Park.

Steven Connellan, of Hamer ABC, said: “We want to keep this venture going in honour of Moggy by donating the rest of the money towards the Jock McAvoy fund, as Moggy’s last incredible charitable act was to go up and down the country on a bus in order to get a statue or bust of our Rochdale boxing legend to inspire our future generations of youngsters to participate in sport, which will help them both physically and mentally.”

Addressing the community efforts for the memorial plaque, Steven said: “The club would like to thank Bethany for designing the plaque and organising the walk, Jimmy Webster for donating the metal base; and Nick and Pam Heywood, who gave up their generous time, free of charge, to construct this incredible and monumental memorial plaque for our dear friend, Moggy.

“Appreciation also goes out to Rochdale AFC stadium manager, Kevin Lowe, for permitting the Rochdale community to place the plaque in Moggy’s beloved Sandy Lane, and the director of Rochdale AFC Community Trust, Ryan Bradley, for assisting with the incredible seat cover.

“We would also like to thank the Mayor of Rochdale, Mike Holly, for giving up his time to unveil the plaque on 30 September, which was a momentous occasion and a remarkable chapter in the history of our Rochdale community.”

If anyone wishes to help with the Jock McAvoy fund, please ring Hamer head coach Steven Connellan on Tel: 07719 883 088.